The Free for All Concert Fund, a newly created philanthropic initiative that ensures the sustainability of Boston arts performances at no cost, is announcing its first slate of grants. The board of the foundation is making awards to: A Far Cry Chamber Orchestra, Boston Landmarks Orchestra, Boston Opera Collaborative, Firebird Ensemble, New World Chorale, Radius Ensemble, and Vento Chiaro Woodwind Ensemble. In addition to concerts at the immensely popular Landmarks Festival at the Shell and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s summer season, these groups will present a wide-range of performances in local neighborhoods. Appearances include: opera excerpts at farmers’ markets, ensembles at the Strand Theater and Faneuil Hall, and chamber music at the Harvard Square T station.
This bold civic venture was created by internationally acclaimed Maestro Charles Ansbacher, founder of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra and, according to President Clinton, “the unofficial ambassador of America’s music.” Brian Potts, chair of the board of the Free for All Concert Fund, states: “These grantees are the realization of Charles’ vision, developed in the last year of his life. They each foster a deep sense of community and showcase Boston’s emerging talent. We believe increased exposure to great music stimulates creativity, feeds our collective soul, and inspires civic pride.”
Ambassador Swanee Hunt, Free for All trustee, notes: “Our phase-one goal is a $20 million dollar endowment, and we’re more than half way there. Major philanthropic leaders have come together to carry out this dream.”
Free for All is an independent grant-making foundation committed to eliminating barriers (e.g., cost, childcare, or lack of exposure) to attending performances. In the process, it is building audiences for arts organizations across the city. The Fund is ensuring that everyone from the region — children, adults, families — will have regular and permanent access to the rich world of classical music.
A full schedule of these free events will be available on Free for All’s website; www.freeforallconcertfund.org